New parking charges are coming at Coombe Abbey after payment machines were stolen from the hotel and country park site.

At least two pay-and-display machines, worth thousands of pounds, have been taken by thieves who are believed to have used a mechanical claw to lift the machines out of the ground and into the back of a lorry.

The thefts are thought to have taken place on at least two occasions between May 2014 and February this year.

It is thought the machines were stolen because of their value - rather than the money inside.

Now, Coventry City Council is looking to introduce new car park equipment and is refurbishing the existing car park.

That will mean new charges at the site and, although they are yet to be agreed, council officials insist most drivers will be better off as a result.

The current arrangements only allow drivers to buy a £3.70 all-day pass, but the new set-up should allow motorists to pay less for shorter visits.

Andrew Walster, the council’s assistant director of green space, said: "There will be a barrier and a machine in the visitor centre.